🏠 Tarion Warranty in Plain English (for East Toronto Homes)
If you’re buying or building a new home in Ontario, the warranty that matters is Tarion—administered under the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act. It provides deposit protection, delayed-closing/occupancy compensation, and post-possession defect coverage for up to 7 years (Tarion overview).
Quick reality check for renovators in Leslieville/Beaches/Riverdale: typical home renovations are not covered by Tarion. Tarion protects new homes; “renovated/previously-occupied” homes generally fall outside, unless the project meets the legal definition of a new home (rare in standard renos) (Tarion FAQs).
🧭 What Tarion Is (and who is covered)
What: Ontario’s new-home warranty program, provided by the builder and supported by Tarion (Tarion overview).
Who: Buyers/owners of eligible new freehold and condo homes (including some conversions).
Legal backbone: Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act.
Builder must be licensed and the home enrolled; confirm through the Ontario Builder Directory.
💰 Pre-Closing Protections (Before You Get the Keys)
Deposit protection (limits vary by home type) (Tarion buyer protection).
Delayed Closing/Occupancy compensation—up to $7,500—when a firm date is missed (Tarion delayed closing).
🧩 Post-Possession Coverage: 1-, 2-, and 7-Year
1-Year Warranty
Fit for habitation
Built to Ontario Building Code
Free from defects in materials/workmanship
No unauthorized substitutions
(Tarion 1-Year Coverage)
2-Year Warranty
Water penetration (envelope/foundation)
Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC delivery systems
Exterior cladding defects
Building Code violations affecting health/safety
(Tarion 2-Year Coverage)
7-Year Major Structural Defect (MSD)
Failures of load-bearing elements
Defects significantly impairing the home’s use as a residence
(Tarion 7-Year Coverage)
🛠️ Claims & Builder Repair Period
File warranty claims via Tarion MyHome.
Submitting a statutory warranty form starts a 120-day builder repair period (MSD claims differ).
🚫 What Tarion Doesn’t Cover
Most renovations to existing, previously-occupied homes.
Normal wear and tear.
Damage caused by homeowners.
Items homeowners supplied themselves.
(Tarion exclusions)
🧱 East-End Angle: When Tarion Matters (and when it doesn’t)
New custom homes & full rebuilds (e.g., teardown/new build in the Beaches): Tarion applies if built by a licensed vendor and properly enrolled.
Typical renos/additions/underpinning on century semis in Leslieville or Riverdale: Tarion generally doesn’t apply. Your protection comes from your contract, permits/inspections, and the contractor’s transparency and systems.
🔧 How Woodsmith Uses This (Clarity for Clients)
If it’s a new home: we walk clients through enrolment, PDI, forms, timelines, and warranty paperwork.
If it’s a renovation: we set expectations that Tarion doesn’t apply. Instead, we protect you with clear scopes, permit compliance, and open-book cost-plus.
Want to see how we earned this? Read our post on becoming a Tarion-certified builder to learn why we pursued certification and what it means for East Toronto homeowners.
👉 Explore our Design-Build Services and Construction Services. Ready to renovate smarter? Contact us.